If you haven’t yet picked up Midstate #1, the psychological thriller from Lee Loughridge and Mack Chater is a must-read comic book series, following a disgraced clairvoyant and a rookie cop on the hunt to solve missing persons cases. I recently had an opportunity to catch up with Lee Loughridge, who talked about the origins of the comic book series, working with Mack Chater, and what’s next. We also have a preview of the second issue that you can read right now!
Can you talk about the journey that led to Midstate being released as a Comixology Original?
Lee Loughridge: Well, it was a long one….I wrote the story during Covid with Mack Chater in mind for the art, if I could con him into doing it. I wrote the full 5 issue script and shot it over to Mack to see if he wanted to get involved. Luckily he loved it and was on board to get a pitch going. I then grabbed decades-long friend Will Dennis to come on board as editor. Will helped me beat the pitch into shape. I put the full pitch together over 2 years ago with the intention of pitching Chip Mosher at Comixology. I have known Chip for a long time and hoped this would peak his interest. Luckily it did and the green light happened several months after the pitch.
Are you someone that is generally fascinated with supernatural and psychic abilities? Have you had any personal encounters with psychic abilities (or knowing people) or was there any research in particular that fascinated you?
Lee Loughridge: I have always been obsessed with psychics, mostly calling them out on their bullshit. I have gotten into it with psychics, Tarot card readers etc.. I did have a reading when I was younger by a psychic and she seemed pretty spot on. She told me things about my future that I did not want to hear. I tried to prove her wrong and in the end she was right. Maybe she got lucky. That’s why I created Paul. The entire town believes he is full of shit, but in actuality he is wildly gifted. He wants to prove them wrong.
As both the writer and colorist, can you talk about your creative process with Mack Chater? I especially like the difference in visuals from the “real” world to the more dream-like / ethereal state.
Lee Loughridge: Mack is so spot on with his storytelling. He draws every panel better than I had it in my head. He sends layouts, we approve them and he goes right into finished inks. Every time I receive inks from him I get excited. It’s amazing seeing a story come to life. The fact that I get to color as well keeps me engaged in the art process. Being an artist I respect just how much work Mack puts into the pages. We wanted the nightmare scenes to really sing. I told Mack to swing for the fences and he did just that.
What can you tell our readers about Paul? He’s not your traditional “hero,” and I really like how you’ve developed his character in only the first issue.
Paul is definitely your textbook loser. He has made a lifetime of bad decisions and can never get out of his own way. We all know people like Paul. They frustrate us to no end. A guy with his abilities should be ruling the world, but he can never see the forest for the trees. We root for Paul, we are begging for his validation….will he finally get it?
Can you give a tease of what’s to come in issue #2 and beyond?
Lee Loughridge: Issue two has Paul going out on his own to investigate the town’s newest resident Dr. Jounce. It may not be a wise decision…..Paul should have seen this coming.
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MidState #2: A Comixology Original, On Sale 4/9
“The arrival of an amnesiac, blood soaked woman inspires clairvoyant Paul Rinaldi to go on his own investigation into the mysterious doctor resulting in a new town scandal.”
